The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is the third iteration of the flagship camera in the series of OM-D mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras produced by Olympus on the Micro Four-Thirds system. Released on February 28, 2020, it replaced the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II.

The E-M1 Mark III follows the E-M1 Mark II in embracing artificial intelligence-based features such as a deep learning autofocus system and multi-shot image processing to simulate neutral-density filters and a hi-res mode that allows the 20-megapixel camera to produce 50-megapixel images while handheld and 80-megapixel images while being on tripod. The camera also includes a 60 frames-per-second continuous shooting mode.

Features 20.37-megapixel Micro Four-Thirds sensor 121-point autofocus system Image stabilization (up to 7.0 EV or up to 7.5 with 'Sync IS' lenses) ISO range: 200 to 25600, with "LOW ISO 64" Handheld high-resolution shot mode Starry Sky AF for Astrophotography Up to 60 frames per second Multi-shot mode simulates ND filters (ND2, ND4, ND8, ND16, ND32) LCD viewfinder 3 inch screen 420 shots per charge Dual SD card slots (1 x UHS-II, 1 x UHS-I) 8-way joystick IPX1-rated weather sealing USB charging

Compared to the predecessor, Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III was introduced 4 years after its official predecessor, the E-M1 Mark II. The Mark III brings several changes, improvements and new features:

The TruePic IX processor. The Mark II used the TruePic VIII. Upgraded shutter, rated for 400,000 actuations. The Mark II's shutter is rated for 200,000 actuations. Updated sensor dust reduction system and coating. Upgraded In-body image stabilization with up to 7.5 EV with IS compatible lenses and 7.0 EV with other lenses. The Mark II has up to 5.5 EV. An upgraded Pro Capture mode with up to 35 pre-shutter frames. The Mark II has up to 14 pre-shutter frames. A new High Speed movie recording mode that allows recording 1080p video at up to 120fps. A new Handheld High Res Shot (HHHHR) mode that allows capturing 50MP images handheld, without the need for a tripod. An upgraded High Res Shot (HRS) mode that allows capturing up to 80M images. The Mark II's High Res Shot (HRS) mode can capture up to 50M images. A new Starry Sky AF mode that locks focus on stars. A new Live ND mode that simulates the use of Neutral-density filters. Improved Face / Eye Priority Auto Focus algorithms. Custom Auto Focus target areas. Auto ISO settings available during recording. A new "My Menu". This is a customizable settings menu containing only items you select. USB-C battery charging (with a supported USB-C PD device and cable). If configured, the camera can alternatively be powered directly via USB-C (without charging the battery, although it still needs to be present and hold over 10% charge). The HDMI output of the camera does not work during direct USB-C charging. A joystick has been added to the back of the camera. Useful for navigating menus and quickly changing Auto Focus areas. The menu button on the back of the camera has been moved from the bottom right to the top left. The Fn1 button on the back of the camera has been changed to an ISO button. For the mode dial on the top of the camera, a fourth custom mode (C4) has been added along with a Bulb (B) mode. The ART and iAUTO modes have been removed from the dial. The flash can be controlled wirelessly over radio. Over Wi-Fi on PC, the camera can be controlled and images can be transferred. Bluetooth v4.2 (supports BLE) has been added. It lets you connect your phone to the camera through the io.Share app without having to connect to the Wi-Fi access point first.

Hi-resolution shot mode In tripod and handheld mode, the camera rapidly captures 8 images (Tripod) or 16 images (Handheld) which are combined into 160 Mpx (tripod) or 320 MPx (handheld) of data, which the camera combines into 80 MPx (10368×7776 px) images in tripod mode or 50 MPx (8160×6120 px) image in handheld mode. The tripod mode ISO limit is 1600, or ISO 6400 in handheld mode. Hi-resolution pictures can be saved just in JPEG format. Handhold exposure can be set up to 4 seconds.

The benefit of hi-res mode is bigger resolution, low noise and an increase of dynamic range.

Reception The E-M1 Mark III was generally favored for improvements made over the Mark II, such as the introduction of a handheld mode and a lower base cost.

The camera took criticism for including the same 20-megapixel sensor, electronic viewfinder, and screen, as its predecessor, the Mark II. The same sensor is also present in the enthusiast-level Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III which was released just months earlier.

References